Algeria midfielder Madjid Bougherra said his side were wasteful in their 2-1 loss to Belgium. The North African nation had stunned spectators by taking an unexpected early lead but were unable to hold on to it as Belgium equalised in the 70th minute.

Belgium's Marouane Fellaini felt that their hard-fought win was deserved though, praising the character of his side as time began to run out during the game. "One thing I know is that if my team-mates put crosses in the box for me, I can score goals. And you saw it today," he said.

Misfiring Fred claims that no one should have been surprised by Brazil's failure to score against Mexico. "We had expected difficulties," he told Brazilian newspaper O Globo. "We have to congratulate their goalkeeper who produced four miracles."

Goalscorer Lee Keun-Ho's impact off the bench was all part of the plan, said South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo. With the first half scoreless, Hong waited just 11 minutes after the break to throw on the striker and Lee obliged by opening the scoring soon after.

Fabio Capello was unwilling to blame Russia's goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev for the goal though, despite the custodian fumbling the ball into the net. "Goalkeepers can make mistakes like any other player and today it happened to a great champion like Igor Akinfeev," Capello said.

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Raheem Sterling has urged his England teammates to avoid being too focused on Uruguay star Luis Suarez. Suarez is expected to be fit to return for the match against England, but Sterling said it would be dangerous for Roy Hodgson's men to pay all their attention to his Liverpool team-mate.

Ghana's Football Association has rejected claims that its players staged a revolt against coach Kwesi Appiah following defeat to the USA. Ghanaian news website Joy Online reported a scheduled Tuesday press conference was cancelled amid player unrest, naming Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng among players unhappy with tactics.

More injury woe for Australia as key midfielder Mark Milligan was ruled out of their vital clash with the Netherlands. Milligan failed to train on Tuesday and coach Ange Postecoglou confirmed that the 28-year-old would take no part in the game due to a hamstring strain.

Portugal will be reeling too as it was confirmed that full-back Fabio Coentrao would play no further part in this World Cup tournament due to an adductor injury. The team is already missing defender Pepe for the group stages after he was sent off for a headbutt on Thomas Muller.

Much better news for France though as Yohan Cabaye was revealed to be doing much better after a groin niggle. Assistant coach Guy Stephan confirmed that the PSG star was in the mix to take on Switzerland.

Fernando Torres says Spain must put their opening match disaster behind them as they prepare to take on Chile. The World Cup holders are in grave danger of bowing out of the group stages after their 5-1 loss to the Netherlands.

Keisuke Honda wants Japan to focus on their own qualities as they look to get their World Cup campaign up and running. The AC Milan playmaker opened the scoring against Ivory Coast, but two goals from the Elephants meant the Asian side left empty-handed.